What Are Tor Onion Services?
Exploring the Best Dark Web Websites
Also called the darknet, the dark web is much like the broader web was in its early days during the late 20th century. There is a lot of material about getting it working, and not very much to do once one gets there. On the other hand, it is much easier for individuals to start sites and get attention.
The dark web is a mysterious part of the internet, often associated with anonymity, privacy, and unregulated markets. While it is important to approach this environment with caution, there are numerous legitimate and intriguing websites that can provide a wealth of information and services. Here, we will explore some of the best dark web websites and their unique offerings.
Appy Pie Website Builder offers a variety of features and templates to help you create stunning and professional websites for your personal or business needs. Whether you want to create a website for e-commerce, social media, dating, blogging, news, or anything else, Appy Pie Website Builder has got you covered. You can also customize your website with your own logo, color scheme, images, videos, and more. Appy Pie Website Builder also provides a free domain and Google workspace to complete your website. Uncensored and javascript-free, this search engine values privacy. Unlike other search engines, it offers text results, images, and torrent links.
This feature requires you to enter an extra code before you can log in to ensure that only you can access your account. When I saw the price of this service, I thought it couldn’t possibly have top-grade security features for such a low price, but I was pleasantly surprised. One minor issue is that Private Internet Access is headquartered in the US — a founding member of the 5 Eyes intelligence-sharing network. Although I was initially concerned over this detail, I was reassured upon discovering that PIA has a proven no-logs policy. In 2016, Russia ordered VPN providers with local servers to keep logs.
If you’re looking for dark web links, you probably know about Tor — The Onion Router. A 2019 study found that there were about 55,000 different onion sites, while only about 8,400 of them were active. You can buy almost anything on the dark web with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, from secondhand furniture to illegal drugs, porn, exotic animals, and all manner of criminal services-for-hire.
1. The Hidden Wiki
No country has jurisdiction over the internet, so simply having a website on the internet, whether it’s on the surface or dark web, is not illegal. While many deep web sites are undoubtedly used to facilitate criminal activity and other scams you should avoid, there are also plenty of legitimate dark web sites. ProtonMail is a Swiss-based encrypted email service that doesn’t require personal information when you sign up. ProtonMail’s end-to-end encryption makes it one of the best onion sites for easy-to-use, secure, anonymous email.
The Hidden Wiki is a compilation of links to various services and sites found on the dark web. It operates similarly to a traditional encyclopedia but focuses exclusively on dark web content.
- Categories include:
- Forums
- Marketplaces
- Blogs
- Whistleblowing sites
But like many other allegedly illegal search engines, the Hidden Wiki does index certain shady sites that Google blocks. DuckDuckGo also has a no-log policy, meaning they don’t keep a record of your search history or collect other user data. Used in with a dedicated private browser, DuckDuckGo is a powerful search engine and a potent privacy tool.
2. ProtonMail
For those seeking a secure email service, ProtonMail is one of the best dark web websites available. It offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring that user communications remain private and secure.
- Surfshark is also really user-friendly, as its apps are all intuitive and make it very simple to find and connect to servers.
- Always ensure that your Tor browser is kept up to date and try to stay abreast of vulnerability notices.
- The VPN allows Tor traffic on 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, which is great.
- Only use .onion links that come from legitimate sources like The Hidden Wiki.
- Privacy and anonymity also make this an ideal terrain for illicit activities like buying and selling drugs, weapons, or hiring a hit man.
- Features:
- No personal information required to sign up
- Encrypted servers located in Switzerland
- User-friendly interface
3. DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is a popular search engine on the dark web that prioritizes user privacy. It operates without tracking users’ search history or personal information.
- Benefits of using DuckDuckGo:
- Anonymous searching
- No targeted ads
- Access to .onion sites
4. SecureDrop
SecureDrop is a platform used by journalists and whistleblowers to exchange sensitive information while preserving anonymity. This site offers a safe way to report news without exposing the identity of the source.
- Key points:
- End-to-end encrypted communication
- Widely adopted by major news organizations
5. Ahmia
Ahmia is another search engine dedicated to indexing dark web content. It allows users to find .onion sites without wading through the complexities of the dark web.
- Advantages of Ahmia:
- User-friendly interface
- No tracking or logging of user data
6. The TorLinks Directory
TorLinks is a directory that offers a collection of dark web links sorted into various categories, making navigation more straightforward for users.
- Categories include:
- Marketplaces
- Forums
- Blogs
FAQs About the Best Dark Web Websites
- What is the dark web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and requires specific software, like Tor, to access. It contains both legitimate and illicit content.
- Is it safe to browse the dark web?
While there are safe sites on the dark web, it is crucial to exercise caution. Use a VPN, ensure you have adequate security measures in place, and do not share personal information.
- How can I access dark web websites?
To access dark web websites, you typically need the Tor browser, which anonymizes your internet traffic and allows you to visit .onion domains.
- Are all dark web websites illegal?
No, not all dark web websites are illegal. Many provide valuable services, secure communication channels, and anonymous browsing options.
In conclusion, the best dark web websites offer a range of services, from secure communication to information sharing. While it can be a daunting place, with the right knowledge and precautions, users can explore the depths of the dark web safely and responsibly.